I hope we can join forces and work as a team, says Ugunja MP-elect Okoth

ODM’s Moses Omondi Okoth has been declared the new Member of Parliament elect for Ugunja Constituency, clinching the seat with a commanding lead in a by-election marked by low voter turnout.

The declaration was made by Ugunja Constituency Returning Officer Dennis Omari, who announced Okoth’s victory after tallying was completed in the early hours.

Okoth garnered 9,447 votes, far ahead of his closest challenger, Wiper Party’s Orodi Odhiambo, who secured 1,819 votes.

The contest featured a crowded field of candidates, with Fredrick Ochiel of UDM coming in third. Other participants included Benson Obol Otieno (United Green Movement), Maurice Okumu (Liberal Party Movement), Vincent Olengo (Kenya Moja), Chris Budo (KANU), Lilian Akinyi (National Alliance Party), Erick Ofiro (Jubilee Party), and Oliver Ochieng (National Liberal Party).

Despite the wide slate, turnout stood at only 24.98 per cent, with 15,017 voters turning up.

Speaking shortly after receiv

ing his certificate, Okoth thanked the residents of Ugunja for placing their trust in him, while also expressing concern over the low turnout.

I thank Ugunja residents for taking their time and coming out, though they didn't turn up as we expected,” he said.

“The turnout was low. We hoped that they would have turned up more than this, but those who found time came out and exercised their democratic right by electing the second Ugunja MP.”

Okoth, who now becomes the next serving legislator for Ugunja, lauded the electoral commission for what he described as a well-managed exercise.

He commended the IEBC for delivering a process he termed free, fair, and credible, despite the scattered reports of voter apathy across the region.

He used his acceptance remarks to call for unity and collaboration, urging his competitors to join hands in steering the constituency forward.

“I want to ask them humbly that we join forces and work as a team, he said, emphasising that political differences should not derail development.

The MP-elect outlined his immediate focus, promising to prioritise key development issues that he said had been repeatedly raised by residents throughout the campaign.

Okoth’s decisive victory underscores ODM’s continued strength in the constituency, where the party retains a strong grassroots support base.

The by-election, which were held on Thursday, November 27, marks a new chapter for Ugunja, and for Okoth, an opportunity to chart a fresh course for the constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Voting in the Ugunja constituency by-election kicked off smoothly in the morning, with polling stations opening at 6 am and residents turning out early before heading to work.